Michael Reese Community Advisory Committee – Press Release

The Advisory Committee will make recommendations to the Alderman on the future redevelopment of the Michael Reese Site, including advice on the final proposals submitted to the Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD), as well as continued guidance once the Selected Developer is chosen.

(CHICAGO, IL) Today, 4th Ward Alderman Sophia King unveiled the Michael Reese Community Advisory Committee, comprised of a distinguished group of community members, including architects, lawyers, affordable housing advocates and individuals with historical ties to the Site.

Tasked with analyzing and proposing optimal and community friendly utilization of the approximately 48.6 acres Michael Reese Site, the Marshalling Yards Site (28.2 acres), and the Advocate/McDonald’s Site (11 acres), this committee will function in an advisory capacity; leaving the final selection of the Developer to the City’s Department of Planning and Development.

“The Michael Reese Redevelopment project is one of the most striking developments taking place in the City of Chicago,” said Alderman Sophia King. “As projects of this scale and other sizable plans emerge, it is critical that the community be afforded access and insight, while given the opportunity to contribute valuable input, to help shape the direction of projects. I am grateful to not only the Advisory Committee but to all the applicants for their interest in ensuring that this development consider the prerogative of the community. I will continue to institute this model of transparency and community engagement throughout the 4th Ward.”

The Advisory Committee members were chosen by a Selection Committee of 4th Ward community residents, including: Leonard McGee, Bill Gerstein, Reverend Andrea Davidson, Jim Buckner and Rhonda McFarland. Each applicant was ranked based upon: Development Experience, Community Involvement, Proximity to the Michael Reese Site and Historic Knowledge of the Community. Eighteen community professionals were selected from more than 50 applicants.

“It is an honor to have been chosen by Alderman King to serve my fellow citizens on this important Advisory Committee,” remarks Enrique Beckmann, MD, PhD. “As a former decade-long Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Michael Reese Hospital, I am intimately aware of this unique institution’s illustrious past and its impact to healthcare locally, nationally and internationally. This development project offers the City of Chicago a historic opportunity to build a bright future while honoring Michael Reese Hospital’s legacy by highlighting it prominently, meaningfully and in perpetuity for future generations to behold. I am grateful to Alderman King for creating this important mechanism of community input into this process.”

Given the sensitivity of the City’s Request for Proposal (RFP) process, all committee members were required to sign a confidentiality agreement, as well as an affidavit to affirm that a conflict of interest does not exist.

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